The City of Vaughan has undergone a tremendous transformation in the last seven years and is now at a turning point in its evolution. As one of the top places to live and do business in Canada, Vaughan is a city on the move.

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua’s annual address at the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Luncheon highlighted the City’s impressive progress and thriving economy. The message, to a sold-out crowd of 800 business professionals - the largest event in the Chamber's history, was that Vaughan is rising and is being recognized on the national and international stage.

Vaughan continues to outpace Ontario and Canada in economic growth. In the last year alone, the City issued $1.148 billion in building construction permits, equaling over $3 million invested in the city every day. In addition, recent statistics from York Region reveal that employment in Vaughan increased from 2015 by more than 3.6 per cent or 7,262 additional jobs. Overall, the number of businesses grew to 11,370 with small business continuing to be a significant economic driver, making up 80 per cent of all the companies in this city.

Building on this momentum, the City’s vision for the future is becoming a reality. Major city-building projects are being realized – a downtown core is rising from the ground, a state-of-the-art hospital is under construction and a subway is opening later this year. These are just some of the reasons why Vaughan is a place where people want to live, work, play and invest.

QUOTE

“We are blessed that the seeds we planted over the years are bearing fruit. The tremendous success we have realized is possible because of our collective efforts. We are driven by the desire to fulfill our potential. Our willingness to embrace change has created an attitude focused on raising the bar and always aiming higher. We are making positive headlines about the changes that are taking place and it is clear that Vaughan is the city of choice. It is through collaboration and co-operation that we are putting Vaughan on the map, not only in Canada, but around the world. We are taking charge of our future. I have confidence that we will fulfill our dreams and the promise of our great city. The best is yet to come!”-Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

QUICK FACTS

Vaughan’s employment growth has increased from 2015 by more than 3.6 per cent or 7,262 additional jobs.

Vaughan issued $1.148 billion in building construction permits in 2016.

The number of businesses in Vaughan increased to more than 11,370 in 2016, up from 11,200 in 2015.

Small firms comprise the largest share of businesses in Vaughan, accounting for 80 per cent of total businesses in 2016.

The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce has hosted Mayor Bevilacqua’s annual luncheon for seven years.

The Mayor’s speech was broadcast through Facebook Live for the first time.